Further Mathematics A Level
WHAT DO I NEED TO STUDY THIS COURSE?
To study Further Maths at A Level you will need to have achieved GCSE English Language at grade 5 or better, and GCSE Mathematics at grade 7 or better, plus at least three additional GCSEs at grades 4 or better.
IS THIS COURSE FOR ME?
A Level Further Mathematics is an additional A-level qualification taken in addition to the A-level mathematics course. It is designed to stretch and challenge able mathematicians and prepare them for university courses in mathematics and related quantitative and scientific subjects.
Two thirds of the Further Mathematics course is made up of pure mathematics. The remainder of the course is made up of two options from statistics, mechanics and discrete mathematics. At the start of the A-level course there are discussions between the students and class teacher to decide on which optional content will form the Further Mathematics qualification.
WHERE WILL THIS COURSE TAKE ME?
This course is designed for those students who have a passion for mathematics. Further Mathematics at such a high level demonstrates an advanced level of logical, analytical and problem-solving skills and distinguishes a student from those who do not study Further Mathematics should they wish to study a mathematical related discipline in Higher Education. Certain universities advise the study of Further Mathematics for students contemplating a mathematics degree.
Further Mathematics at A level is a highly respected qualification and can lead to a diverse range of careers: Advertising & Marketing, Finance & Banking, Business & Operational Research, Insurance & Risk Civil Service, Engineering, IT & Computers including Games Design and Internet Security, Medicine and Health, The Natural and Life Sciences and many more.
WHAT WILL I LEARN
Mandatory content
Students study the following Core Pure Mathematics content:
• Proof
• Complex numbers
• Matrices
• Further Algebra and Functions
• Further Calculus
• Further Vectors
• Polar coordinates
• Hyperbolic functions
• Differential Equations
• Numerical Methods
Optional content
Students take two options from the following eight:
Option 1: Further Pure Mathematics 1, Further Statistics 1, Further Mechanics 1, Decision Mathematics 1
Option 2: Further Pure Mathematics 2, Further Statistics 2, Further Mechanics 2, Decision Mathematics 2
Students may choose two Option 1 papers or a matching pair from Option 1 and Option 2.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
All assessment for this course is through written examination.
Two papers assess the mandatory pure mathematics content, each being 2 hours long.
The third paper, also 2 hours long, assesses the chosen Optional content, and consists of two sections, one for each branch of maths.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
See Mr Hesketh / Miss Kirby
